How to create a cozy reading nook at home
You do not always need an entire room to create a place where you want to pause.
A cosy reading nook can be created in a corner of the living room, next to a window, or in an underused area of the bedroom.
With a comfortable armchair, good lighting, and a few supporting elements, you can create a space designed for reading, relaxing, and slowing down at the end of the day.
As you return to your routines, creating space for quieter moments can be just as important as organising your desk or getting the household schedule back on track.
A reading nook does not need to be large or excessively decorated.
It needs to meet a very specific need: having a comfortable place where you can pause for a few minutes without leaving home.
The armchair is naturally the centre of this space. The lighting, side table, textiles, and small details then complete the setting.
This article is part of the Returning Home cluster, dedicated to restoring routines, comfort, and the desire to enjoy your home again.
What you will find in this guide
1. Start by choosing the right place
The best reading nook is not necessarily the emptiest space in the home.
It is a place where you can be comfortable, with adequate lighting and some distance from the busiest areas.
Look for a space that already has potential
- A corner of the living room next to a window.
- An area between the sofa and a shelving unit.
- An underused space in the bedroom.
- An area next to a bookcase or a piece of furniture with books.
- A corner of a multifunctional room.
Being close to a window is useful during the day, but it should not be the only criterion.
The space should also allow for artificial lighting to be installed so you can continue reading comfortably when the natural light fades.
Observe the flow of movement
Avoid placing the armchair in a passage between rooms or somewhere it will frequently need to be moved out of the way.
A reading nook works best when it conveys a sense of permanence.
It should look like part of the home, not like a piece of furniture temporarily placed wherever there was space.
A good reference:
The reading corner should be close enough to the life of the home not to feel isolated, but far enough from the main walkways to allow for a few minutes of peace and quiet.
2. Choose the reading armchair first
The armchair is the most important piece in the space.
It should not be chosen based on design alone. The position of the back, seat depth, and the way the arms provide support directly influence reading comfort.
Before choosing, consider
- The height and back support.
- The seat depth.
- The position of the arms.
- The available width in the room.
- The upholstery and feel to the touch.
- How easily the armchair integrates with the rest of the décor.
If you enjoy reading for longer periods, pay particular attention to back support.
If you mainly use the space for short breaks, you can prioritize a more compact model that is easy to integrate into the living room.
Explore the collection of Gato Preto armchairs to find different proportions, materials, and styles.
💡 If you are still comparing styles, also see Modern and comfortable armchair: how to choose the ideal one for your living room.
3. How to integrate the Bullock armchair into a reading corner
When you want the reading corner to make an impression without losing a timeless feel, the Bullock collection can be a starting point.
The Gato Preto Bullock armchairs are Made in Portugal and combine comfort, timeless lines, and natural wood legs.
Use the armchair as a focal point
In a neutral setting, the armchair can become the piece that gives the corner its identity.
You do not need to repeat its color exactly in the other elements.
Simply create connections through the rug, throw, cushion, or an object placed on the side table.
Leave some space around it
An armchair with a strong visual presence benefits from some open space.
Avoid placing it too close to the sofa, a bulky bookcase, or several tables.
The aim is to create a small space with its own identity within the room.
Combine it with more understated elements
If the armchair is the most prominent piece, choose a simple side table and a lamp that does not compete visually.
A plain throw or a cushion with a soft texture can add comfort without overwhelming the arrangement.
A simple arrangement with Bullock
- 1 Bullock armchair as the main piece.
- 1 floor or table lamp with directed light.
- 1 small side table.
- 1 throw or cushion, when necessary.
- 1 rug to define the area, if space allows.
- Few decorative objects.
The armchairs can be tried in Gato Preto stores at UBBO, MAR Shopping Matosinhos, Almada Forum, Freeport, and Palácio do Gelo in Viseu.
4. Choose lighting designed for reading
A reading corner should work both during the day and in the late afternoon.
Lighting is therefore just as important as the armchair itself.
Ideally, there should be a nearby light source directed towards the reading area, without creating uncomfortable reflections or shadows.
Floor lamp
It is one of the most practical solutions next to an armchair.
It brings the light closer to the reader without taking up space on the side table.
It also helps visually define the corner within a larger room.
Table lamp
When there is a sufficiently large side table, a table lamp can create a more intimate atmosphere.
It works especially well in small corners or next to a side console.
Explore the Gato Preto lighting collection to find floor lamps, table lamps, and other solutions for different settings.
Do not rely solely on the ceiling light
Strong general lighting can be useful for moving around, but it is rarely enough to create a comfortable reading atmosphere.
Use the ceiling light as a base and add a specific light source next to the armchair.
For a more comfortable reading corner:
Combine the room's general lighting with a lamp near the armchair. This way, you can read without brightly illuminating the entire room.
5. Add a small side table
A reading corner should allow you to keep what you need close by without constantly getting up.
A small table is enough for a book, a cup, glasses, or a mobile phone.
Choose based on proportion
The table should not compete with the armchair or take up too much space.
Look for a comfortable height in relation to the arm of the chair and make sure it does not interfere with circulation.
Keep the surface relatively clear
Avoid filling the table with several decorative objects.
A small jug, a candle, or an object may be enough.
The rest of the space should remain available for use.
6. Use textiles to make the space more comfortable
Textiles help transform a collection of furniture into a true place to pause.
A throw adds comfort. A cushion can improve support. A rug helps define the area.
A throw for cooler moments
Keep a throw nearby when the temperature calls for it.
When it is not being used, fold it over the arm of the armchair or store it in a basket.
A cushion only when it adds comfort
It is not necessary to place a decorative cushion on every armchair.
Use it when it improves the position or adds a texture that completes the composition.
A rug to create an area
In a large room, a small rug can help visually separate the reading corner from the rest of the living area.
Choose a size that connects the armchair and side table without creating obstacles.
💡 To learn more about using textiles, see How to transform your home décor with textiles alone.
Also explore the cushions, throws and Gato Preto rugs collections.
7. Create an atmosphere that helps you slow down
A reading space does not need much decoration.
In fact, too many stimuli can detract from the feeling of tranquillity you want to create.
Choose a few elements with intention
- A few books.
- A small vase.
- A plant.
- A candle or diffuser.
- A picture or personal object.
The aim is to create character without filling every surface.
Also think about what you see when you are sitting
The experience of the space changes when you consider the armchair’s perspective.
A window, an organised bookcase or a wall with a piece of art can make your moment of rest more enjoyable.
Whenever possible, avoid positioning the seat directly towards a very cluttered or high-traffic area.
💡 To create an overall feeling of comfort at home, read How to make your home more welcoming every day.
8. How to create a reading nook in a small living room
You don’t need a large room.
A reading nook can occupy only the space needed for an armchair and a light source.
Simplify in small spaces
- Choose an armchair in proportion to the space.
- Opt for a compact side table.
- Use a floor lamp when there is no available surface.
- Avoid adding a bookcase just to define the area.
- Use the wall for artwork or small shelves, when necessary.
- Keep the main circulation path clear.
You can also incorporate the reading nook into a multifunctional living room.
During the day, the armchair can serve as additional seating. In the late afternoon, the lighting transforms the same area into a more private spot.
💡 If you need to combine multiple functions in the same room, see How to create multifunctional spaces at home.
Where to create a reading nook?
| Location | Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| By the window | Good natural light during the day. | Add lighting for the evening. |
| Living room corner | It keeps you close to the family. | Avoid walkways. |
| Bedroom | A more private setting. | Ensure there is enough space without making the bed feel cramped. |
| Next to a bookcase | Keep books easily accessible. | Avoid visual clutter around it. |
| Multifunctional living room | The armchair can serve multiple purposes. | Define the area with lighting or a rug. |
Common mistakes when creating a reading nook
Choosing the armchair based solely on design
A beautiful piece may not be comfortable for sitting in for long periods.
Always consider the position of your back, arms, and legs.
Relying only on general lighting
Ceiling lighting may not reach the right area or create the right atmosphere for reading.
Filling the nook with too many objects
The space should convey calm and remain easy to use.
Choosing a table that is too large
The side table should complement the armchair, not turn the nook into a second seating area.
Ignoring outlets and cables
Plan ahead where the lamp will be plugged in and avoid cables crossing walkways.
Creating a beautiful space that no one uses
The nook should be located where you genuinely want to spend time.
Don’t choose a location just because it was left empty after rearranging the furniture.
Using too many cushions
A cushion should improve comfort. It shouldn’t require removing several pieces before sitting down.
Checklist for creating a cozy reading nook
The essentials
- Choose a quiet area with clear circulation.
- Choose a comfortable armchair in proportion to the space.
- Ensure suitable lighting for reading.
- Add a small side table.
- Make sure there is easy access to an outlet.
To add comfort
- Add a throw when needed.
- Use a cushion only if it improves support.
- Consider a rug to define the area.
- Keep the books you use most nearby.
To create atmosphere
- Use few decorative objects.
- Choose softer lighting for the end of the day.
- Add a plant, vase, or personal item.
- Keep the area organized.
- Leave enough space to sit comfortably.
A small space can change the way you experience your home
Creating a reading nook is not just about filling an empty corner.
It means setting aside a place for a kind of moment that often disappears amid daily routines.
It can be where you start a new book, take a break at the end of the day, or simply spend a few minutes doing nothing else.
When returning from holiday, this small space can help restore the balance between getting back to your schedule and continuing to find time for yourself.
Start with the main element: choose a comfortable armchair and pair it with suitable lighting to create a space where you truly want to stay.
Discover armchairs →For a Made in Portugal option, explore the Gato Preto Bullock collection.
Complete the space with the Gato Preto lighting collection, choosing a light source suited to the space and the way you like to read.
The armchairs can be tried in Gato Preto stores at UBBO, MAR Shopping Matosinhos, Almada Forum, Freeport, and Palácio do Gelo in Viseu.
Keep exploring the Return Home collection:
Because getting back into a routine can also mean reclaiming time to pause, open a book, and enjoy the small spaces in your home again.